Solving the Superposition Problem: Find a3 & Bint

  • Thread starter Thread starter FoolishMortal
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Superposition
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the superposition problem of two harmonic waves represented by the equations u1 = B * sin(a1(r)) and u2 = B * sin(a2(r)). The goal is to find the resultant wave parameters a3 and Bint, where the resultant wave is expressed as uint = Bint * sin(a3(r)). The user references a resource from Wolfram Science World for expected forms and indicates that the "int" subscript likely refers to intensity. The discussion also includes a trigonometric identity for combining the two waves.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic waves and their mathematical representations
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, specifically sin(a) + sin(b)
  • Basic knowledge of wave interference concepts
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving sinusoidal functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the trigonometric identity for sin(a) + sin(b)
  • Research wave interference patterns and their applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of intensity in wave mechanics
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of wave superposition
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying wave mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in the mathematical principles behind wave superposition and interference.

FoolishMortal
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
The superposition of two harmonic waves:
u1 = B * sin( a1(r) )
u2 = B * sin( a2(r) )
results in a sinusoidal wave of the form:
uint = Bint * sin( a3(r) )
Find a3 and Bint

I'm not sure what to do. I can't think of any way to get it into that "form". http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/Interference.html (5) on that link gives the form I would expect.
I think the "int" subscript is talking about intensity, and I'm not sure but I don't think either u1 or u2 depend on time.
Can anyone help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use your high school trig (ugh).
uint=u1+u2=B[sin(a)+sin(b)]=2B{sin[(a+b)/2]cos[(a-b)/2]}
if I remembered it right.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K